Hi performance camshafts are modifications to stock cars and motorcycles that can increase horsepower. However, care must be taken to match the new equipment to all the other components that will be affected, allowing for adequate performance in other areas such as starting efficiency and acceleration.

Camshafts were used in ancient days to create movement in toys, to allow life size figurines to mystify kings and emperors, and to make idols seem alive. Most people are familiar with them as parts of an internal combustion engine, without realizing their history.

A camshaft is a spinning pole that opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves of an engine. On a four-cycle engine with a carburetor, the intake valves open to draw air and fuel into the cylinder, and close during the compression and combustion that produces power. The exhaust valves then must open to expel the used gases. A two-cycle engine works a little differently.

There are people who will want a more aggressive ride, however, and those who are interested primarily in racing. These are the ones who will modify their engines with high performance cams; they need to realize that other parts of the car will need to change as well. The engines can also be designed in the first place with high horsepower in mind.

Along with the use of computer designs for precise cam dimensions, gears are better than timing chains for more powerful engines, since more power is delivered to the rear wheels. Timing belts and chains wear out and cause tuning problems, as well, with a resulting loss of engine efficiency. Hydraulic lifters are other improvements that enable the use of high performance parts.

There must be careful matching of many factors when changing the cam, which regulates the whole power plant. The compression ratios must be compatible with the duration and the fuel delivery system. Cylinders heads may need to be milled for more volume, and the height of the lift of the head adjusted. Fortunately, there is much customer support from performance parts manufacturers to help people match all the related factors.

In customizing a cam, the manufacturer will need to know the type of engine being built, such as for a dragster, a flat racer, or a muscle car. The engineering department will provide the proper degree of lift and cam angle for each type of engine. Too much duration can actually cause a loss of power at some speeds, and the wrong compression ratio can compromise starting, idling, fuel efficiency, and engine life.

For street performance, however, you may want acceleration and a quiet idle, as well as less wear and tear on the components for longer engine life. Knowing what is a priority will help you make the decisions about transmission style, compression and gear ratios, carburetor type, exhaust system specifications, timing, and tuning that will result in the performance you want. Compression teat gauge will be an indispensable tool if you are changing to a higher performance cam.

Fortunately, manufacturers of hi performance camshafts are ready to help you make all these choices. A great education can be gotten from product searches and performance magazines.

Best place to get car engines and engine parts is enginefor.com. You will also find best deals on hi performance camshafts there.